ISLAMABAD, Dec 4: Wapda has identified 316 new sites on canal falls for generating an additional 480MW of electricity to tackle the growing power shortfalls across the country.

Official sources told Dawn on Monday that it was becoming increasingly difficult for the government to adhere to the National Energy Security Action Plan aimed at tackling the increasing electricity shortages. Wapda officials were, therefore, directed to initially build five small and medium-sized hydropower projects in Punjab, they said.

In association with the Power Department of Punjab, Wapda officials will be constructing dams of 25MW to 50MW capacity for generating 160.16 GWh cheaper renewable energy annually. Of the 316 sites identified for the purpose, 48 have a potential of more than 2MW.

Supply of power from non-conventional sources even in small qualities would help meeting power shortages to some extent, said the sources.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has agreed to provide conditional financial support to help build five dams in Punjab, provided the project is executed by national and multi-national contractors through national and international competitive bidding (NCB/ICB).

Prior to tendering, the Punjab government will complete power purchase agreement, consents, land acquisition, environmental compensations, financial commitments and bidding documents under the guidelines of the ADB.

The energy generated through these five sites will be sold to the distribution companies of Wapda or the National Transmission and Distribution Company (NTDC) at a negotiated tariff.

Five sites identified for generating power in Punjab are Marala, Chainwali, Deg Outfall, Okara and Pakpattan. This is expected to increase additional hydel capacity in the coming years.

The ADB wants that before the mobilisation of ICB or turnkey contractors, the preliminary works like construction of site offices; accommodation for clients, consultants and contractors' personnel; and related facilities should be completed through NCB to avoid delay in completion of the project.